Aqua Shooting Range

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to sports and leisure structures. An Aquatir comprising a water-filled pool formed by walls, an above-water fencing, at least one shooting position with weapon and at least one underwater target. The pool is equipped with a transversal partition that separates the pool swimming area with the shooting position from the underwater target, wherein the partition in front of each shooting position has at least one underwater embrasure and located behind the targets above-water part of the pool wall and above-water fencing are equipped with bullet-traps 
     containing swimming pools and can be used for teaching, training and carrying out of sporting competitions in shooting under the water and from the air into the water from pneumatic and missile weapons and fire-arms, where it is also possible to combine shooting with speed swimming.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to sports and leisure structures containingswimming pools and can be used for teaching, training and carrying outof sporting competitions in shooting under the water and from the airinto the water from pneumatic and missile weapons and fire-arms, whereit is also possible to combine shooting with speed swimming.

PRIOR ART

The mass popularity of underwater sports and underwater hunting, has ledto the designing of underwater ammunitions for available fire-arms (seeDescription to patent RU 2268455, Int. Cl.⁷ F42B 10/38, published 20Jan. 2006; Ardashev A. N., Fedoseev S. L., “Orudgie specialnoye,neobychnoye, exoticheskoye”, Moscow, Voennaya Technika, 2001, pages172-177) providing safe training in shooting under the water and fromthe air into the water against underwater targets, possible inunderwater shooting galleries called Aquatirs where participants couldtrain and carry out sports competitions for underwater hunters, militarydivers and sportsmen.

Existing shooting galleries and shooting stands are intended for firinginto targets in the air. Under the water light refraction affectstargeting so that in reality the underwater target is not located in theplace where it is seen; therefore it is impossible to learn effectiveshooting under the water and from the air into the water againstunderwater targets in existing shooting galleries.

It is well known that competitions in underwater shooting from harpoonguns are carried out in swimming pools where targets are installed atthe range of 4 m and the shooting line is confined by floating buoys. Inthe course of competition the score of a sportsman that breaches thatline is cancelled. Defining such a breach is rather difficult toregister, especially while shooting in the centre of the swimming pool,and that often results in subjective referees' decisions. The sportsmanshoots with one harpoon attached to a line and after shot the sportsmanpulls the line and extracts the harpoon from the target; this proceduredoesn't raise staginess of competitions (see International Rules ontarget shooting of <<Confederation Mondiale des ActivitesSubaquatiques>>, published May, 2002).

The closest analog of this claimed invention is a shooting galleryhaving a water-filled area where adjacent shooting sections with targetsare partitioned off by floating protective shields and an area offencing comprises a protective screen (see Description to patent RU2119144, Int. Cl.⁶ F 41J 1/18, published on 20.09.1998).

Disadvantage of that known structure is a lack of common safety for ashooter. Shooting sections are partitioned off and fenced by protectiveshields that prevent the instructor from watching actions of shooter inthe section, and the shooter from watching actions in the section nextto him; besides, shooting position is not separated from the target anddoes not allow control of a shooter's motion in the direction of thetarget. In the case when the shooter is near his target and shootingtakes place in the next section, protective shields floating with gapscannot provide safety of the shooter near the target, as harpoon orbullet can ricochet from targets, bottom or firm protective shields.

Moreover, in that known structure it is suggested that shooting takeplace in opposite directions in adjacent sections, as well as to mountupper protective cover on the floats or to use for this purpose adiving-bell. Counter-shooting in opposite directions is prohibited inall shooting galleries under any circumstances, and in that knownstructure protective shields floating with gaps cannot provide safety ofthe shooter in his own position. Besides, harpoons and bullets that mayfly out of the water can ricochet from the upper cover and get into theadjacent section.

In that known structure of underwater shooting gallery it is suggestedto make supports for underwater shooters in the form of pads withnegative flotation capabilities. It is well known that under the water aswimmer equipped with ballast weight has zero flotation ability and hecould not lie on pads. To retain orientation while making an underwatershot the shooter should move forward or rest against an obstacle due toimitation of forward motion by use of feet (flippers).

In Description to patent RU No. 2119144 it is stated that thisunderwater shooting gallery could be assembled and disassembled inseveral minutes that is quite impossible, if protective shields areadequately durable and safe. That means that this underwater shootinggallery structure from the very beginning does not expect safe shootingconditions.

It is necessary to note that the known structure of underwater shootinggallery does not enable training and sports competitions in speedswimming combined with shooting against underwater targets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose and the technical result of given invention is the provisionof safety and increase of effectiveness of teaching and training inshooting against underwater targets, as well as increase of staginess ofsports competitions in swimming and shooting against underwater targets.

The mentioned technical result is provided by the fact that in Aquashooting range (Aquatir) according to the first variant which comprisesa water-filled pool formed by walls, an above-water fencing, at leastone shooting position with weapon and at least one underwater target,where the pool is equipped with transverse partitioning that separatesthe pool swimming area with the shooting position from the underwatertarget, and where the partition in front of each shooting position hasat least one underwater embrasure and above-water part of the pool walland above-water fencing are equipped with bullet-traps.

Moreover, it is equipped with at least one additional shooting positionfor shooting from the air into the water located on the partition andthe underwater target is installed with the capability of restriction tothe vertical pointing angle of weapon that is not less then 100 relativeto horizon.

Moreover, the partition has at least one ladder to climb out from theswimming part of the pool.

Moreover, the partition is made of transparent material, partially orcompletely.

Moreover, the underwater target is installed with capability ofrestriction as to vertical pointing angle of weapon from the underwaterembrasure that is not less than 1° relative to horizon.

Moreover, the underwater target is made of metal as a plane figure andis installed with capability of horizontal rotation from shootingposition in the window of metal frame with upper shield.

Moreover, the underwater target is made of fragile material as a planefigure and is installed in the window of metal frame with upper shield.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as an inflatable figure and isequipped with an anchor.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as a transparent inflatablefigure with source of light of permanent or periodic effect inside andis equipped with an anchor.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as an inflatable figure, isequipped with weight and is suspended on floating buoy with capabilityof motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as a transparent inflatablefigure with source of light of permanent or periodic effect inside, isequipped with weight and is suspended on floating buoy with capabilityof motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as an inflatable figure, isequipped with weight and is suspended on mechanical drive withcapability of motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as a transparent inflatablefigure with source of light of permanent or periodic effect inside, isequipped with weight and is suspended on mechanical drive withcapability of motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, as a target is used captured live fish that swims in enclosedby net area.

Moreover, as a weapon are used harpoon guns with harpoons havingweighted head and light-weight aft part, and the wall of swimming poolbehind the target has a protective screen.

Moreover, as a weapon are used bows and/or arbalests with arrows havingweighted arrow-head and light-weight aft part without empennage, and thewall of swimming pool behind the target has a protective screen.

Moreover, as weapon are used firearms, and the wall of swimming poolbehind the target is equipped with a bullet-trap and the bottom and sidewalls of the pool have protective screens.

Moreover, behind and on the sides of shooting position are mountedsound-absorbing shields.

Moreover, the weapon is installed in a mount with restriction of weaponrotation in horizontal and vertical plane.

Moreover, on the weapon there is a laser target designator in sealedcasing.

Moreover, on the bullet-trap there is a changeable decorative coating.

Aquatir according to the second variant comprises a water-filled poolformed by walls, an above-water fencing, at least one shooting positionwith weapon and at least one underwater target, where according to theinvention the shooting position is located above the water on one sideof the pool and the underwater target is installed with capability ofrestriction as to vertical pointing angle of weapon that is not lessthen 100 relative to horizon and located behind the underwater targetabove-water part of the pool wall and above-water fencing are equippedwith bullet-traps.

Moreover, the pool is equipped with a transverse partition thatseparates the pool swimming area from the underwater target, and whereshooting position is located on the partition having at least one ladderto climb out from the swimming part of the pool.

Moreover, the underwater target is made of metal as a plane figure andis installed with capability of rotation from shooting position in thewindow of metal frame with upper shield.

Moreover, the underwater target is made of fragile material as a planefigure and is installed in the window of metal frame with upper shield.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as an inflatable figure and isequipped with an anchor.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as a transparent inflatablefigure with source of light of permanent or periodic effect inside andis equipped with an anchor.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as an inflatable figure, isequipped with weight and is suspended on floating buoy with capabilityof motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as a transparent inflatablefigure with source of light of permanent or periodic effect inside, isequipped with weight and is suspended on floating buoy with capabilityof motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as an inflatable figure, isequipped with weight and is suspended on mechanical drive withcapability of motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, the underwater target is made as a transparent inflatablefigure with source of light of permanent or periodic effect inside, isequipped with weight and is suspended on mechanical drive withcapability of motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Moreover, as a target is used captured live fish that swim in areaenclosed by net.

Moreover, as a weapon are used harpoon guns with harpoons havingweighted head and light-weight aft part, and the wall of swimming poolbehind the target has protective screen.

Moreover, as a weapon are used bows and/or arbalests with arrows havingweighted arrow-head and light-weight aft part without empennage, and thewall of swimming pool behind the target has protective screen.

Moreover, as a weapon are used fire-arms, and the wall of swimming poolbehind the target is equipped with a bullet-trap and the bottom and sidewalls of the pool have protective screens.

Moreover, the weapon is installed in a mount with restriction of weaponrotation in horizontal and vertical plane.

Moreover, on the weapon there is a laser target designator in sealedcasing.

Moreover, on the bullet-trap there is a changeable decorative coating.

That stated totality of inventive features specified in the firstindependent and in dependent patent claims allows to perform effectiveteaching and training and to carry out sports competitions in underwatershooting in stationary pool. Safety of shooting is provided by the factthat shooting positions are partitioned from targets, but are notseparated into sections, shooters see actions of each other, shootthrough embrasures, are watched by trainers and could not get intoshooting zone near the targets. For trapping of harpoons and bulletsthat accidentally fly out of the water the above-water part of Aquatirbehind the targets is covered by bullet-trap, while the pool is notdivided into sections by longitudinal screens from which harpoons andbullets can ricochet.

Shooters can be comfortably placed at shooting positions even in poolsof minimal length.

If the length of the swimming part exceeds dimensions of standardsporting pool, training and competitions in swimming and underwatershooting could be carried out in Aquatir simultaneously that makespossible creation of a new aquatic sport—underwater biathlon thatincludes both speed swimming and underwater shooting.

In preferable embodiment of the invention on the partition withunderwater embrasures are located above-water shooting positions withmounted ladders to climb out from the swimming part of the pool. Havinga pool of minimal length it is possible simultaneously to shoot underthe water and from the air into the water and to carry out competitionsin these events of sports shooting. If the length of the swimming partexceeds dimensions of standard sports pool, Aquatir design makespossible creation of a new aquatic sport—underwater triathlon includingspeed swimming and shooting against underwater targets under the waterand from the air into the water.

That stated totality of inventive features specified in the secondindependent patent claim allows to perform effective teaching andtraining and to carry out sports competitions in shooting againstunderwater targets from the air into the water. Safety of shooting isprovided by the fact that shooting positions are located in one part ofthe pool, but are not divided into sections, shooters see actions ofeach other, are watched by trainers and could not accidentally get intoshooting zone near the targets. For specified minimal shooting anglerelative to horizon ricochet of bullet or harpoon from water surface iseliminated. Angle of shooting into the water without ricochet wasdetermined by the invention authors experimentally and comprises 7°relative to horizon for firing from smooth-bore weapon with finnedunderwater bullets or 100 relative to horizon for firing from rifledweapon with underwater rotating bullets. For trapping of harpoons andbullets that ricochet from the water above-water part of Aquatir behindthe targets is covered by the bullet-trap.

Such design of Aquatir makes possible creation of a new aquaticsport—hitting of underwater targets in course of shooting from the airinto the water.

In one of the invention embodiments Aquatir comprises partition thatseparates the swimming part of the pool from the targets, while shootingpositions are located on the partition with mounted ladders to climb outfrom the swimming part of the pool. In such structure of Aquatir it ispossible simultaneously to swim and to shoot from the air into thewater, for example from smooth-bore weapon or long-barreled rifles thatare not intended for underwater shooting.

If the length of the swimming part exceeds dimensions of standard sportspool, Aquatir design makes possible creation of a new aquaticsport—underwater biathlon including both speed swimming and shootingagainst underwater targets from the air into the water.

As an underwater weapon for Aquatir could be used harpoon guns with setof exchangeable harpoons having weighted head and light-weight aft part.Shift of center of harpoon mass to its head part increases stability andshooting accuracy both in the water and in the air. Moreover, as anunderwater weapon could be used bows and arbalests with set ofexchangeable arrows that should be equipped with weighted head andshould have no tail empennage that distorts underwater trajectory. Inthis case underwater range to targets can make up 4-6 meters and thelength of the ballistic part of the pool—7 meters.

For protection of the pool inner lining could be used white 3-5 mmpolyethylene screens that are mounted behind the targets on underwaterpart of the wall and on bottom of the pool.

As fire-arms for Aquatir could be used 4.5 mm special underwater pistolsSPP-1M and 5.66 mm special underwater submachine guns APS (see forexample Ardashev A. N., Fedoseev S. L., “Orudgie specialnoye,neobychnoye, exoticheskoye”, Moscow, Voennaya Technika, 2001, pages 172. . . 177) with multiple-purpose bullets (see Description to patent RU2112205, Int. Cl.⁶ F42 B 30/02, published on 27.08.1998). Moreover, herecould be used Kalashnikov submachine guns and 7.62 mm sporting/huntingrifled carbines of “Saiga” series, smooth-bore guns of “Saiga-410”series made according to Kalashnikov submachine gun technology andunderwater ammunitions with cavitating bullet-core (see for exampleDescription to patent RU 2268455, Int. Cl.⁷ F42B 10/38, published on20.01.2006). For firing from the air into the water could be used anysmall arms or sporting/hunting weapons. Besides, for firing in Aquatircould be designed special sporting weapon, for example revolvers,short-barreled rifles and revolver guns.

In the case of fire-arms use the underwater range to targets and lengthof the ballistic part of the pool are restricted by water transparencyand can comprise 15-20 meters. The wall of the pool behind the targetsshould be covered by bullet-trap. As necessary for protection of poolinner lining could be used 4-6 mm steel shields that are mounted behindthe targets on underwater part of the wall and on bottom of the pool.

In particular case of this invention for teaching in shooting under thewater and from the air into the water the weapon is installed in a mountwhich provides rigid weapon fixation and restriction of weapon rotationangle. For example, in case of rigid weapon fixation aiming into targetis carried out by trainer who takes into account optical refraction inthe water, trainee memorizes correction value, shoots himself andestimates a result of shooting. This variant increases teachingefficiency and provides safety of other people in course of trainingshooting.

For increase of effectiveness of teaching and training on the weapon canbe installed laser target designator.

For safety underwater shooting the arrangement of the target relative toshooting position must provide negative angle of weapon pointingcomprising not less then 10 from horizon. That variant reducesprobability of accidental flight of cavitating bullet out of the waterand is successfully applied by the invention authors for underwatershooting in practice.

In particular case of this invention for underwater shooting fromfirearms behind and on both sides of the shooting position are mountedsound-absorbing screens. That variant reduces the effect on the shooterof shock wave reflected from the pool walls.

In accordance with one of the invention embodiments it is reasonable toinstall on the bullet-trap a decoration coating that could be changedafter deterioration of its appearance.

For firing from firearms it is preferable to use flat steel targetsattached with capability of rotation from shooting position in thewindow of metal frame with upper shield. After impact of bullet thetarget turns round in horizontal plane, the fact of target hitting isinstantly obvious and ricochet upwards is eliminated, besides deformablebullet does not form a cavity and quickly stops in the water. In case ofhitting steel frame the bullet is deformed and at once stops, and incase of ricochet the upper shield prevents its flight out of the water.This structure has long lifetime and the targets are easily arrangedinto initial position.

In one of particular cases of the invention flat targets are made offragile material, for example of ceramics, and are installed in windowsof steel frame. This variant allows for certain to determine the fact ofhitting of the target which is crashed after hitting that raisesstaginess of competitions.

In particular case of this invention the underwater target is made inform of inflatable sphere that is prevented from emergence by an anchorattached with a line. That inflatable sphere could be transparent andilluminated by inner source of light whose sealed battery is installedin the anchor and the line comprises a conductive wire. This variantallows for certain to determine the fact of hitting of the target whichbursts after hitting that raises staginess of competitions andeliminates possibility of core deformation and ricochet after impactwith the target.

For further raise of competition staginess in the inflatable targetcould be placed a floating object, for example a hollow ball. In casewhen several inflatable targets are used for limited number of shotsfloating balls could be marked with figures (letters) indicating scorepoints.

In particular case of this invention inflatable spheres with innerillumination are attached to one anchor and are illuminated for shorttime period in definite order. Shooting is performed against illuminatedtargets that raises training effectiveness and competition staginess.

In the other particular case of this invention an inflatable andilluminated target is suspended on radio-controlled buoy having its ownengine, while the anchor with power supply does not touch the poolbottom that allows to move target in horizontal plane. That raisesstaginess of team events where one team controls target and the othertries to hit it.

In the other particular case of this invention underwater inflatable andilluminated targets with anchors are suspended on above-water mechanicaldrive that moves targets in vertical and horizontal planes. Shootingagainst mobile targets raises training effectiveness and competitionstaginess.

In Aquatirs for shooting are used arrows, harpoons and cavitatingbullets intended for underwater hunting, therefore in the particularcase of this invention embodiment as moving targets could be usedcaptured live fish that swims in an area enclosed by net. That variantof the invention allows to carry out practical trainings in underwaterhunting and besides killed fish could be cooked on demand.

Aquatir should comprise all features of shooting gallery including roomfor storage of weapons and ammunitions, as well as all features ofswimming pool where could be offered different entertaining andhealth-improving services.

It is better to carry out competitions and trainings in underwatershooting galleries with artificial pool having water of standardtransparency and temperature. As necessary Aquatir with the above-waterfencing could be placed on the shore of open water area. Sportsmen coulduse equipment of military divers, competitions in speed swimming can becarried out under the water and competitors can wear outfit ofunderwater hunters (without aqualung). To provide safety the audienceshould be placed around the swimming part of the pool and could beprotected by transparent bullet-proof partition.

The invention is explained in more detail on actual examples that in noway cut down the volume of claims and are only intended for betterunderstanding of invention gist by experts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

In description of specific embodiments of the invention there arereference to the accompanying drawings that show the following:

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the first variant of Aquatir embodiment accordingto the invention with stationary partition;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the second variant of Aquatir embodimentaccording to the invention with removable partition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows longitudinal cross-section of Aquatir pool intended forswimming and shooting under the water and from the air into the water,and FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of Aquatir pool.

Aquatir comprises a water-filled pool 1 with a nosing 3 and above-waterwalls 2. A ballistic part 4 of the pool with underwater targets 5 isseparated by a transversal partition 6 with starting stands 7 andunderwater embrasures 8 through which from shooting positions 9 isperformed underwater shooting. The embrasures 8 can have rectangular orround transversal cross-section and straight or conical longitudinalcross-section.

It is advisable to install the target 5 at the range of 0.5-0.8 m froman underwater bullet-trap 10 that should completely cover the pool wall,while the outer wall behind targets should be covered by an above-waterbullet-trap 11 having width more then width of the pool and height morethen 2 m. The bullet-traps 10 and 11 could be made of dense rubber or ofwood and for better light-reflection and illumination of Aquatir couldhave bright decorative coating which fragments could be replaced afterdeterioration of their appearance.

A swimming part 12 of the pool is divided by ropes 13 into tracks 14having standard width. Starting stands 7, underwater embrasures 8,shooting positions 9 and targets 5 are placed along the axis of tracks14. Ladders 15 are intended for exit from water onto transversalpartition and are mounted at the end of tracks 14.

Depth 16 in the shallow part of the pool could be standard, while thedepth 17 near the targets should be more then depth 16 and should allowto install the targets 5 lower then shooting positions 9 that providesnegative angle of weapon pointing P relative to horizon and tilt ofshooting trajectory 19 downward.

Shooting from the air against the underwater target 5 is performed froman above-water shooting position 20, and for better view of the targets5 this shooting could be performed from the highest place on thepartition 6, for example from the staring stand 7. To eliminate ricochetduring pass of cavitating core from the air into the water thearrangement of targets should provide tilt angle ω of trajectory 21 notless then 10° to horizon taking into account the fact that underwatertarget is distinctly seen under the water at the angle more then 15°relative to horizon.

Depending on the power of firearms aiming range of underwater shootingcan comprise 15-30 m and is limited by visibility in the water,therefore length 22 of the ballistic part of 4 of the pool is chosentaking into consideration visibility in the water and may comprise 16-21m.

To provide equal conditions during sporting competitions in underwatershooting it is advisable to choose single range to the underwatertargets 5, for example 15m, while length 23 of the pool swimming part 12may be standard and may comprise 25 m or 50 m. For access to thestarting stands 7 and for shooting from the air into the water width 24of the transversal partition 6 may comprise 1.2-2.0 m.

Lining of pool 1, nosing 3 and transversal partition 6 is made ofstandard coating. Walls 2 may have sound-absorbing lining that reducereflected sound of the shots in the air.

For teaching in shooting under the water and from the air into the waterthe weapon can be installed in a mount at the shooting position 9 or inthe underwater embrasure 8 or can be installed in a mount in front ofthe starting stand 7.

Training and sports competitions in underwater and above-water shootingcan comprise speed swimming: for example competitor from one team withthe help of remote control moves a target attached to radio-controlledbuoy having its own engine and shooter from the other team tries to hitthis target. After hitting the target competitors swim to the buoytrying to reach it first, to bring it to definite place and to scorepoints for their teams, and after that they exchange the roles.

During the competitions shooting is performed off-hand, and competitionsin swimming and shooting can be carried out taking into account the timeand shooting results. For example sportsmen in outfit of underwaterhunters may carry out competitions in the following succession:

-   -   sportsmen simultaneously dive with weapon from the starting        stands 7 into the water and swim specified distance along the        tracks 14;    -   after that sportsman holds the breath, dives to underwater        embrasure 8 and shoots under the water against the targets 5        trying to hit maximal number of targets in course of one dive;    -   after underwater shooting sportsman swims specified distance        again, then with weapon climbs the ladder 15, gets onto        transversal partition 6 and shoots against the targets 5 trying        to hit maximal number of targets with one allowance of        ammunition (cartridge clip);    -   after shooting in the air sportsman reloads his weapon, dives        into the water and continues competition.

Sportsmen in equipment of military divers can carry out competitions inthe same succession, and an aqualung allows to hit more targets duringunderwater shooting.

The total length of full-size pool intended for speed swimming andshooting may comprise 65-70 m. For this purpose to 50 m pool should beattached the ballistic part 4 with length of 15-20 m. If in 50 m poolthe ballistic part 4 is separated by the partition 6, then length of theswimming part 12 comprises 30-35 m. If speed swimming is excluded, thenfor the underwater shooting gallery could be used 25 m pool, where theballistic part 4 is separated by the partition 6 and the swimming part12 that comprises 4-9 m is used for the shooting positions 9.

FIG. 3 shows longitudinal cross-section of 25 m pool of the underwatershooting gallery intended for shooting under the water and from the airinto the water, and FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of Aquatir pool.

Aquatir comprises a water-filled pool 1 with a nosing 3, ladders 25 andabove-water walls 2. A ballistic part 26 of the pool is separated bypartitions 27 with underwater embrasures 28 through which from shootingpositions 9 is performed underwater shooting. For access to above-watershooting positions 29 on the partition 27 is mounted a ladder 30. Forteaching in above-water shooting a weapon 31 could be installed bytrainer on a mount 32. To eliminate ricochet during pass of cavitatingbullet or harpoon from the air into the water the arrangement of atarget 33 should provide tilt angle ω of a trajectory 21 not less then10° to horizon. As a target could be used an inflatable sphere 33 thatis prevented from emergence by an anchor 34 and is suspended on a buoy35 with radio-controlled engine that can move the target in horizontalplane. After hitting the sphere 33 bursts and all other targetcomponents are assembled with a new sphere.

Walls of Aquatir behind the targets are covered with an underwaterbullet-trap 10 and an above-water bullet-trap 11. Depth 16 in theshallow part of the pool could be standard, while the standard depth 17near the starting stands 7 should be more then depth 16 and should allowto install the targets 33 lower then the shooting positions 9 thatprovides negative angle of weapon pointing β relative to horizon 18 andtilt of shooting the trajectory 19 downward. For protection of innerlining of the pool in region of targets are mounted side screen 36 andbottom screens 37, material of which depends on the kind of underwaterweapons.

The pool could be divided by standard ropes 13 attached to brackets 38.Width of tracks 39 could be standard and shooting line 40 could coincidewith track axis.

To reduce effect on the shooter of reflected shock wave from underwatershot behind the shooting positions 9 are mounted sound-absorbing screens41 that could be made as inflatable mattresses or could be made of sheetrubber and be attached under the water at the distance of 5-10 cm from apool wall 42.

In the side tracks along side walls of the pool near shooting positions9 are mounted sound-absorbing screens 43 that reduce effect on theshooter of reflected shock wave from underwater shot.

Length 44 of the pool ballistic part 26 may comprise 16 m and is chosentaking into account that the underwater distance from the embrasure 28to the target 33 is 15 m. Then length of the swimming part of the poolwith shooting position 9 comprises 9 m.

During teaching in underwater shooting the weapon could be installed inthe embrasure 28 of the partition 27. Shooting is performed with trainerwho is located in the water in zone 46.

After completion of shooting the partitions 27 could be removed, and onthe full length of the pool could be carried out trainings in swimming.

Aquatir could be also arranged in 8-10 m pool. In this case thepartitions 27 should be mounted at the distance of 2 meters from thepool wall 42 and thickness of the bullet-traps 10 and 11 should beincreased. It is advisable to carry out shooting from the air into thewater from the shooting position 29 equipped with a rubber coating.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention will find its application in design of Aquatirs (shootinggalleries-pools) intended for teaching, training and carrying out ofsporting competitions in shooting under the water and from the air intothe water from pneumatic and missile weapons and fire-arms, where alsois possible combining of shooting with speed swimming.

Structure of Aquatirs allows to create new aquatic sports:

-   -   underwater biathlon that includes both speed swimming and        underwater shooting against underwater targets;    -   underwater double-event that includes speed swimming and        shooting against underwater targets under the water and from the        air into the water;    -   competition in marksmanship for shooting against underwater        targets under the water and from the air into the water.

1-38. (canceled)
 39. An Aquatir comprising a water-filled pool formed bywalls, an above-water fencing, at least one shooting position withweapon and at least one underwater target, characterized by the factthat the pool is equipped with a transversal partition that separates apool swimming area with a shooting position from an underwater target,wherein the partition in front of each shooting position has at leastone underwater embrasure and located behind the targets above-water partof the pool wall and above-water fencing are equipped with bullet-traps.40. The Aquatir according to claim 39, wherein Aquatir is equipped withat least one additional shooting position for shooting from the air intothe water located on the partition wherein the underwater target isinstalled with capability of restriction as to vertical pointing angleof weapon that is not less then 10° relative to horizon.
 41. The Aquatiraccording to claim 40, wherein the partition has at least one ladder toclimb out from the swimming part of the pool.
 42. The Aquatir accordingto claim 39, wherein the partition is made of transparent material,partially or completely.
 43. The Aquatir according to claim 39, whereinthe underwater target is installed with capability of restriction as tovertical pointing angle of weapon from the underwater embrasure that isnot less then 1° relative to horizon.
 44. The Aquatir according to claim39, wherein the underwater target is made of metal as a plane figure andis installed with capability of horizontal rotation from shootingposition in the window of metal frame with upper shield.
 45. The Aquatiraccording to claim 39, wherein the underwater target is made of fragilematerial as a plane figure and is installed in the window of metal framewith upper shield.
 46. The Aquatir according to claim 39, wherein theunderwater target is made as an inflatable figure and is equipped withan anchor.
 47. The Aquatir according to claim 39, wherein the underwatertarget is made as a transparent inflatable figure with a source of lightof permanent or periodic effect inside and is equipped with an anchor.48. The Aquatir according to claim 39, wherein the underwater target ismade as a transparent inflatable figure, is equipped with weight and issuspended on a floating buoy with capability of motion in horizontaland/or vertical plane.
 49. The Aquatir according to claim 39, whereinthe underwater target is made as a transparent inflatable figure with asource of light of permanent or periodic effect inside, is equipped withweight and is suspended on a floating buoy with capability of motion inhorizontal and/or vertical plane.
 50. The Aquatir according to claim 39,wherein the underwater target is made as an inflatable figure, isequipped with weight and is suspended on a mechanical drive withcapability of motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.
 51. TheAquatir according to claim 39, wherein the underwater target is made asa transparent inflatable figure with a source of light of permanent orperiodic effect inside, is equipped with weight and is suspended on amechanical drive with capability of motion in horizontal and/or verticalplane.
 52. The Aquatir according to claim 39, wherein as a target isused captured live fish that swims in enclosed by net area.
 53. TheAquatir according to claim 39, wherein as a weapon are used harpoon gunswith harpoons having weighted head and light-weight aft part, and theswimming pool wall behind the target has a protective screen.
 54. TheAquatir according to claim 39, wherein as a weapon are used bows and/orarbalests with arrows having weighted arrow-head and light-weight aftpart without empennage, and the swimming pool wall behind the target hasa protective screen.
 55. The Aquatir according to claim 39, wherein as aweapon are used fire-arms, and the swimming pool wall behind the targetis equipped with a bullet-trap and the bottom and side walls of the poolhave protective screens.
 56. The Aquatir according to claim 39, whereinbehind and on the sides of the shooting position are mountedsound-absorbing shields.
 57. The Aquatir according to claim 39, whereinthe weapon is installed in a mount with restriction of weapon rotationin horizontal and vertical plane.
 58. The Aquatir according to claim 39,wherein on the weapon there is a laser target designator in sealedcasing.
 59. The Aquatir according to claim 39, wherein on thebullet-trap there is a changeable decorative coating.
 60. An Aquatircomprising a water-filled pool formed by walls, an above-water fencing,at least one shooting position with weapon and at least one underwatertarget, wherein the shooting position is located above the water on oneside of the pool and the underwater target is installed with capabilityof restriction as to vertical pointing angle of weapon that is not lessthen 10° relative to horizon and located behind the underwater targetabove-water part of the pool wall and above-water fencing are equippedwith bullet-traps.
 61. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein thepool is equipped with a transversal partition that separates the poolswimming area from the underwater target, and where the shootingposition is located on the partition having at least one ladder to climbout from the swimming part of the pool.
 62. The Aquatir according toclaim 60, wherein the underwater target is made of metal as a planefigure and is installed with capability of rotation from the shootingposition in the window of metal frame with upper shield.
 63. The Aquatiraccording to claim 60, wherein the underwater target is made of fragilematerial as a plane figure and is installed in the window of metal framewith upper shield.
 64. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein theunderwater target is made as an inflatable figure and is equipped withan anchor.
 65. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein the underwatertarget is made as a transparent inflatable figure with a source of lightwith permanent or periodic effect inside and is equipped with an anchor.66. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein underwater target is madeas an inflatable figure, is equipped with weight and is suspended on afloating buoy with capability of motion in horizontal and/or verticalplane.
 67. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein the underwatertarget is made as a transparent inflatable figure with a source of lightwith permanent or periodic effect inside, is equipped with weight and issuspended on a floating buoy with capability of motion in horizontaland/or vertical plane.
 68. The Aquatir according to claim 60, whereinthe underwater target is made as an inflatable figure, is equipped withweight and is suspended on a mechanical drive with capability of motionin horizontal and/or vertical plane.
 69. The Aquatir according to claim60, wherein the underwater target is made as a transparent inflatablefigure with a source of light of permanent or periodic effect inside, isequipped with weight and is suspended on a mechanical drive withcapability of motion in horizontal and/or vertical plane.
 70. TheAquatir according to claim 60, wherein as a target is used captured livefish that swims in area enclosed by net.
 71. The Aquatir according toclaim 60, wherein as a weapon are used harpoon guns with harpoons havingweighted head and light-weight aft part, and the swimming pool wallbehind the target has a protective screen.
 72. The Aquatir according toclaim 60, wherein as a weapon are used bows and/or arbalests with arrowshaving weighted arrow-head and light-weight aft part without empennage,and the swimming pool wall behind the target has a protective screen.73. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein as a weapon are usedfirearms, and the swimming pool wall behind the target is equipped witha bullet-trap and the bottom and side walls of the pool have protectivescreens.
 74. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein the weapon isinstalled in a mount with restriction of weapon rotation in horizontaland vertical plane.
 75. The Aquatir according to claim 60, wherein onthe weapon there is a laser target designator in sealed casing.
 76. TheAquatir according to claim 60, wherein on the bullet-trap there is achangeable decorative coating.